Spring has arrived, and with it blooming magnolias, a new sketchbook adventure, and two fresh patterns with textured backgrounds. I'm sharing a little peek into my studio — from drawing backgrounds stroke by stroke to making the bold leap from a small square sketchbook to A4. I'm also hinting at a new pattern collection inspired by a Romanian folk tale, coming once it's complete.

In this month’s studio update, I’m sharing four new hand-drawn pattern designs, including my Spoonflower challenge entries for Farmer’s Market and Mediterranean Hues, plus a brand new design featuring my favorite subject — my dog Luther. You’ll also find a peek inside my sketchbook, which is almost full, and a little sign of spring from my magnolia tree.

All patterns are available on Spoonflower and Redbubble, and as always, there is a free digital wallpaper waiting for you on my Wallpaper page.

Thank you for following along with my pattern design journey, my sketchbook practice, and all the small seasonal moments that inspire my work.

In this month’s update, I’m sharing my latest hand-painted patterns - horses with mischievous expressions, a chicken with personality (eyebrows included!), anticipation for blooming magnolias, and summer flowers. I also show a peek behind the scenes, with sketches, color experiments, and thoughts on how I bring little interactions and life into my designs.

December in my studio was full of creativity and inspiration! I worked on two new patterns—a playful dog and a whimsical dragon—thanks to the Spoonflower challenges that pushed me to try a new style. My daily sketchbook is halfway done, and I’ve been enjoying flipping through the pages for ideas and practice.

I also made some studio upgrades, including a large standing desk, storage for supplies, a family heirloom easel, and a big whiteboard for calendars and inspiration. Plus, I finished Gone with the Wind, finding unexpected lessons from its memorable characters.

This month I’m sharing two new patterns—one with warm tulip colors to brighten these cold late-autumn days, and another with foxes, inspired by retro hues. As usual, you also get a peek into my daily sketchbook!

October brought new beginnings — a move to a new home, a freshly planned garden, and two new bird-themed patterns! I’ve also been sketching daily and preparing for the upcoming artisan market in Buizingen.

September was a blur of moving, with some sketching and pattern making fitted into the gaps. I finished my Meadow Gathering pattern, kept up with my daily sketchbook practice, and tried my hand at kids’ book cover art during Ezelsoor in Halle.

This month, I’ve been planning next year’s garden, keeping up with daily sketching (even on the busiest days!), and sharing a new berry-inspired pattern. Plus, I’ll be live-drawing on children’s book covers at Ezelsoor in Halle this September.

A peek into my recent creative process: from daily walks and summer brambles to forest-themed pattern painting with stags, ferns, and wizards. I'm exploring the balance between traditional painting and digital design, and reflecting on what inspires my most intricate, nature-filled patterns.

A peek into my creative month—painting peonies and craspedia, experimenting with Posca markers, and re-reading a childhood favorite. Plus, a visit to the Royal Library in Brussels, our year-end art academy exhibition, and a joyful Romanian celebration in Halle.

A peek into my May sketchbook, a dragon pattern inspired by a Romanian fairytale, and a sneak preview of the upcoming Mărțișor workshop in Halle.

April 2025 newsletter from Ema Tudose.

Patterns with magnolias, black cats and dogs stealing strawberries.

Third daily sketchbook started.

March 2025 newsletter from Ema Tudose.

Patterns with white flying geese, wizards and flowers.

Poster for Romanian party in Halle, Belgium.

A little creative update — sharing my Jane Eyre inspired pattern, daily sketchbook practice, and a sneak peek at a new design with geese. It’s a mix of life drawing, color experiments, and pattern studies. I’ll be back with more next month!

Here’s what I’ve been working on this past month! From hand-painted patterns to new sketches, I’ve been diving into the world of gouache and re-discovering the magic of traditional painting. This update includes a few behind-the-scenes looks at my process, some thoughts on working digitally vs. traditionally, and a sneak peek at new patterns inspired by fantasy. Enjoy, and I hope your year is off to a great start!"

Torn Between Color and Black Lines

As the days grow darker and shorter, I wanted to share the latest updates from my studio. I’ve made some progress on The Lady of the River and finished my small square sketchbook!

For this month’s illustration, I aimed to capture the bare-branched trees and the carpet of fallen, dried leaves. You can find it as wallpaper for your device here.

Ema Tudose October newsletter - sitting by the river in autumn.

Hello, my dear friend, this month I have re-read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It is such a heartwarming and beautiful story, told with compassion, acceptance, and kindness. It inspired me to take a side road and start a small collection inspired by the story.

Ema Tudose September newsletter - sitting by the river in autumn fields under a pink sky.